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11 Plus Interview Practice Course

At selective schools, interviews are a critical step in the 11 Plus admissions process. These interviews assess more than just academic ability—they evaluate personality, confidence, and communication skills. At Mentor Education, we provide expert 11 Plus interview practice to help your child excel and secure their place at their dream school.

 11 Plus Resources

Why 11 Plus Interview Practice is Essential

A child’s ability to perform well during an 11 plus interview is becoming increasingly important. Our tutors and our 11 plus Interview Mastery Course will help prepare your child to present their brilliant self.

Schools use this opportunity to identify well-rounded candidates who demonstrate:

✅ Clear and articulate communication

✅ Confidence under pressure

✅ Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills

✅ Genuine interests and a positive attitude

When applying to London’s top independent schools, the 11 plus interview is a vital part of the entrance process, therefore, the importance of preparation cannot be understated.

What to Expect in an 11 Plus Interview

During the interview, students may face a variety of tasks and questions. Questions will vary from difficult ones like “could you explain the colour yellow to a blind person?” to easier ones like “what is your favourite school subject.” 

They may be asked to solve quick puzzles, or maths problems, to demonstrate critical thinking. The interviewer will likely try to engage them in discussions about current affairs, hobbies or books.

Making sure that your child has the ability to answer them with personality and integrity, as well as intelligence and skill, is key to a successful interview.

How to Prepare and Pass the 11 Plus Interview

For many selective schools, the 11 Plus interview is just as important as the written exam. It’s an opportunity for the school to assess your child’s personality, communication skills, and potential. 

While the idea of an interview can be intimidating for children, thorough preparation and a supportive approach can help them feel confident and capable. Here’s how to help your child prepare for and pass the 11 Plus interview.

1. Understand the Purpose of the Interview

Before diving into preparation, it’s essential to understand what schools are looking for during the interview.

  • Academic Readiness: The interview may test your child’s understanding of subjects they’ve studied and their ability to articulate their knowledge.
  • Interpersonal Skills: Schools want to see that your child is confident, polite, and able to express their thoughts clearly.
  • Character and Interests: Many schools look for well-rounded individuals. They may ask about hobbies, teamwork experiences, or how your child spends their free time.
  • Problem-Solving and Creativity: Some interviews include puzzles, hypothetical scenarios, or questions designed to test your child’s ability to think critically and creatively.

Discuss these goals with your child so they feel prepared and know what to expect.

2. Practice Common Interview Questions

While interviews can vary between schools, there are several types of questions that commonly come up. Practising these in advance can help your child build confidence and refine their answers.

  • Personal Questions:
    • “Tell me about yourself.”
    • “What do you enjoy doing in your free time?”
    • “What’s your favourite subject and why?”

Encourage your child to give honest, thoughtful answers. For example, instead of saying, “I like maths because I’m good at it,” they could elaborate on a specific topic or project they found fascinating.

  • School-Related Questions:
    • “Why do you want to come to this school?”
    • “What do you know about our school?”

Research the school’s values, history, and activities so your child can give informed and enthusiastic answers.

  • Hypothetical Questions:
    • “If you could invent something to help people, what would it be?”
    • “How would you resolve a disagreement with a classmate?”

These questions assess creativity and problem-solving skills. Teach your child to take their time thinking about their answer and to explain their reasoning clearly.

3. Encourage Good Communication Skills

The way your child communicates during the interview is just as important as what they say. Help them practice these key skills:

  • Speak Clearly and Confidently: Encourage your child to speak at a steady pace and to maintain good eye contact during practice sessions. Remind them that it’s okay to pause and gather their thoughts before answering.
  • Listen Carefully: Teach your child to focus on the interviewer’s questions and respond directly. Practising active listening will help them avoid going off-topic or giving unrelated answers.
  • Show Enthusiasm: Remind your child to smile and show interest in the conversation. Genuine enthusiasm can leave a positive impression on the interviewer.

4. Prepare for Group Activities (if applicable)

Some schools include group activities as part of the interview process. These assess how your child interacts with peers and demonstrates teamwork skills.

  • Encourage Cooperation: Remind your child to listen to others, share their own ideas, and contribute positively without dominating the discussion.
  • Practice Problem-Solving: Engage your child in activities like building puzzles or solving riddles with family or friends to simulate working as part of a group.

5. Build Confidence with Mock Interviews

Mock interviews are an excellent way to simulate the real experience and help your child feel comfortable.

  • Recreate the Setting: Have your child dress smartly and sit across from you or another adult to mimic the interview environment.
  • Provide Feedback: Offer constructive feedback on their answers, body language, and communication skills. Highlight their strengths to boost their confidence.
  • Increase Complexity Over Time: Start with simple, familiar questions and gradually introduce more challenging or unexpected ones.

6. Encourage Authenticity

It’s important that your child presents themselves as genuine and true to who they are. Schools value individuality and want to see your child’s natural curiosity, passion, and personality shine through.

  • Avoid Over-Rehearsing: While practice is essential, over-rehearsing answers can make your child sound robotic or insincere.
  • Be Honest: Encourage your child to answer questions truthfully, even if their answers aren’t “perfect.” For example, if they’re asked about a book they didn’t enjoy, they can explain why while showing respect for the author’s work.

7. Help Your Child Manage Nerves

Feeling nervous before an interview is entirely normal. Teaching your child how to handle those nerves will help them stay calm and focused.

  • Practice Relaxation Techniques: Breathing exercises, visualisation, or light stretches can help your child relax before the interview.
  • Frame the Interview Positively: Remind your child that the interview is a conversation, not a test. Encourage them to see it as an opportunity to share their interests and learn more about the school.
  • Boost Their Confidence: Highlight your child’s strengths and achievements in the days leading up to the interview. Knowing you believe in them will make a big difference.

8. Prepare for the Unexpected

Interviewers sometimes ask unusual or unexpected questions to see how children think on their feet. For example:

  • “If you could have any superpower, what would it be?”
  • “If you were an animal, which one would you be and why?”

These questions have no right or wrong answers. Teach your child to stay calm, think creatively, and explain their reasoning with confidence.

Our 11 plus Interview Expertise

At Mentor, great teaching is at the heart of everything we do, 11+ interview preparation is no exception. Our 11 plus Interview Mastery Course is delivered by Gill Cross, our Director of Education who was previously Deputy Head at a GDST school in London. 

Gill has over a decade of experience interviewing pupils for a place at her over subscribed senior school. Her great understanding of the school entry process means that your child gets guidance and mentoring from someone who is a master of their trade.

Miss Spring offers a personalised and supportive approach to 11 Plus interview practice, tailored to your child’s needs. As an expert in the field, she will:

  • Conduct Mock Interviews: Simulate real interview conditions to familiarise your child with the process.
  • Build Communication Skills: Teach techniques to answer confidently and fluently.
  • Develop Critical Thinking: Help your child tackle complex questions with poise.
  • Boost Confidence: Provide constructive feedback and encouragement to reduce nerves.

Our 11 plus Interview Mastery course will provide your child with an excellent understanding of the interview process. Giving them the knowledge and skills they need to enjoy their interview and confidently present their brilliant self to their future school.

Our 11 Plus practice course- Interview Mastery

Our course will give your child a wealth of confidence when it comes to interviews. It gives them a head start in preparation for their school entrance exam. Senior Schools really value interviews and see them as a critical part of the assessment process. We don’t want your child to feel overwhelmed by the daunting task of interviews. Therefore, will help prepare them to present their brilliant self.

The course consists of 4 one-to-one sessions: Two one-hour familiarisation and practice sessions; a mock interview session; and a feedback session with the parents.   

  • Session 1 – How to create a positive first impression, top tips for mastering interviews, and eight key interview topics.
  • Session 2 – How to tackle activities and tasks designed to assess critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, individuality, and mental agility.
  • Session 3 – Mock interview session and verbal feedback to the pupil.
  • Session 4 – Written report and verbal feedback with parents.

The Interview Mastery Course is £495 and is discounted to £349 if you are already a Mentor Parent.

Please contact us for more details and for a consultation about what is right for your child.

Why Choose Mentor Education?

With decades of experience in helping students excel in 11 Plus interview practice, Mentor Education offers unparalleled support. We provide:

  • Tailored Coaching: Sessions adapted to your child’s strengths and areas for improvement.
  • Proven Results: A track record of helping students gain admission to top selective schools.
  • Expert Tutors: Professionals with in-depth knowledge of the 11 Plus process.

Please contact us for more details and for a consultation about what is the right pathway for your child to achieve a place at their dream school. Together, we’ll give your child the tools and confidence to succeed in their 11 Plus interview and beyond.

Book a Consultation or Enquire Now

Interview Mastery Course



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